Bernard Hopkins, the retired two-weight world champion, thinks Sugar Ray Robinson is the best fighter in boxing history. He puts Robinson ahead of Muhammad Ali, who many consider the greatest.
Ali, known as 'The Greatest', started his pro career in the early 1960s after winning gold at the 1960 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He became world heavyweight champion just four years later, stopping Sonny Liston in six rounds. That win set the tone for his amazing career.
Ali went on to beat other legendary heavyweights. He faced tough opponents like Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton. His most famous fight was probably the 'Rumble In The Jungle' against George Foreman in October 1974.
But Hopkins sees it differently. He said:
"The best fighter ever is Sugar Ray Robinson. To me the best fighter after that is Muhammad Ali, and then the debate starts from on and on from there."
Robinson had a huge impact on boxing during his 25-year career. He held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951. Then he moved up and became world middleweight champion five times over nine years.
Robinson beat some of the best fighters of his time. His wins over Rocky Graziano, Randolph Turpin, and Jake LaMotta stand out. His skills and achievements made him one of the most important figures in boxing history.
While Ali's career got lots of attention, Hopkins feels Robinson's overall impact on the sport puts him at the top of the list.
